Elkin had used it once before in Siddle's shop, and was quietly reproved by the chemist for his outspokenness.
Ingerman, however, did not inform the company that his office lay in an alley off Cornhill.

He elected to rub in Elkin's words.
"Mr.Siddle seemed to object to The Hollies being mentioned as the scene of the crime," he said.

"I wonder why ?" "Because he's an old molly-coddle," snapped the horse-dealer.

"Thinks everyone is like himself, a regular slow-coach." Tomlin closed the door into the passage, closed it for the first time in living memory, whereat Furneaux, on the landing above, grinned sardonically, and ran downstairs.
"Wot's this about them amatoor clo'es ?" he inquired portentously.

"Oo 'as the key of that box ?" "_I_ have," said Elkin.